The AFL has confirmed a secret meeting between members of Essendon's leadership group and league boss Gillon McLachlan took place last Monday night.

It's understood Essendon captain Jobe Watson called the meeting, which was also attended by leaders Brendon Goddard and David Myers. Channel Seven reported on Tuesday evening that the talks took place at McLachlan's Prahran residence as D-Day for Essendon's 34 past and present players embroiled in the supplement saga draws nearer.

The fate of the affected Bombers is expected to be decided by the AFL's Anti-Doping tribunal before the premiership season begins - with mass suspensions a distinct possibility.The players wanted to clear the air and said they were disappointed at the way they have been portrayed after the 25 players who were on the club's list in 2012 opted to sit out the NAB Challenge to protect the identities of the Bombers serving provisional suspensions.

However, the tribunal case and potential penalties were not discussed. The AFL's legal counsel Andrew Dillon was also present. While there were no Essendon officials present at the meeting, the club's hierarchy was aware of it and approved of it. "The Essendon players requested a meeting with Gillon, and he agreed to that meeting. It was a private meeting and we have no further comment to make," an AFL spokesperson told afl.com.au.

Both the league and Essendon told Channel Seven that the talks were positive.

The revelation comes just days out from the Bombers' first practice match of the year against St Kilda in the Victorian town of Morwell.